Harvard’s School of Public Health has received a hefty amount of donation from a Hong Kong-based foundation controlled by a wealthy family in the country.

The donation amounted to U$350 million which was also the biggest endowment the university has ever received.

The generous donation came from the Morningside Foundation controlled by Chan brothers, Ronnie and Gerald. The two also controls a major real estate developer firm in Hong Kong and mainland China, Hang Lung Group. The Chans are also the owner of PE firm, Morningside Group.

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The Chan brothers established the Morningside Foundation in 1996 aiming to support education in countries in the North America and Asia regions.

Harvard University’s School of Public Health will now be named T H Chan, the founder of Hang Lung. This was according to a report from the Harvard Gazette. Gerald Chan said that their father was a strong advocate of education and would be pleased with the hefty donation they have given Harvard.

Meanwhile, Julio Frenk, Dean of Harvard’s School of Public Health, said the donation would be directed in addressing four health hazards confronting the world. This would include ebola, cancer, malaria and obesity. Frenk also added that the gift would also focus on the harmful effects on the social and physical environment along with the defective systems of healthcare worldwide.

In a statement, Frenk said "The Chan family's commitment to education and their belief in the power of public health is an inspiration, and their generosity will ensure we have the resources to continue to develop the most innovative solutions that will enable millions of people to live longer and healthier lives, now and in the future."

Harvard University has been campaigning to raise funds in form of donations from wealthy individuals, foundations and other donors. According to a report from Reuters, Harvard has already taken in over US$3.8 billion from more than 100,000 generous donors.

TagsHarvard University, School of Public Health, TH Chan, Ronnie Chan, Gerald Chan, Morningside Group, Hang Lung Group, Morningside Foundation